The North Side Boom

The North Side Boom

For decades, the pulse of Walton County has beat strongest near its sugar-white southern beaches. But a new crescendo is rising north of the bay: in Freeport and DeFuniak Springs, years of quiet are giving way to a booming rhythm of growth. These towns are evolving beyond scenic drive-throughs—they’re emerging as vibrant hubs of commerce and community.

A New Chapter Takes Flight in DeFuniak Springs

A New Chapter Takes Flight in DeFuniak Springs

On Friday morning, August 1, 2025,  a large crowd gathered for a moment years in the making as the City of DeFuniak Springs officially cut the ribbon on a brand-new terminal at its municipal airport. Former Florida Senator George Gainer, Representative Shane Abbott, and a long list of state and local officials were on hand to celebrate the $8.4 million project, which marks a major phase in the airport’s long-term expansion plan.

Connect with Cecilia Canut: Keep Walton Beautiful

Connect with Christian Wagley

In this episode we connect you with Christian Wagley, a science-rooted environmental advocate working with ⁠Healthy Gulf⁠ organization. Christian brings a deeply personal connection to this work, sharing a childhood memory fishing with his grandfather —when he first witnessed the loss of a thriving yellow perch population to pollution. That early experience ignited a lifelong commitment to protecting water and communities. In this conversation, we explore what it means to pursue science-driven advocacy and how that expertise is rooted in place. 

GET HWY331.COM INBOX UPDATES!

You have Successfully Subscribed!